Written answers

Thursday, 24 September 2015

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Fisheries Protection

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

218. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will review and increase the fines in place for the pollution of rivers, given the very small court fine imposed in a recent case (details supplied) which had resulted in the killing of 5,000 fish. [32627/15]

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A revision of all existing offences and bringing penalties into line with the Fines Act, 2010 is a key element of the review of the Fisheries Consolidation Act 1959 which is the principal statute governing the inland fisheries sector.

Considerable effort has been directed to this task, and as the Deputy will appreciate consolidation and modernisation can be intricate and challenging and particularly so in this case as the Principal Act is over 50 years old and is itself a consolidation of legislation dating back to the 1800's.

The review also includes very complex issues such as fisheries title and ownership, invasive species and potential offences not contemplated at the time of the 1959 Act. All of the diverse aspects of the legislation are being thoroughly reviewed and environmental and ecological developments since original enactment are being considered so that robust and modern legislation is put in place to address all the challenges in the sector.

Fines imposed in the District court are a matter for the Court itself. However, in the particular case referred to by the Deputy, I can confirm that in addition to the fine, the defendant company was directed to pay legal costs and expenses to (IFI) and Dublin City Council amounting to a total of €34,603.45 including €7,740 towards appropriate mitigation measures.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.